The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is currently in talks with notable individuals, such as former senators and ministers, as part of a plan to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the general elections of 2027, according to Solomon Dalung, a former minister of sports and youth development.
Speaking to Punch on Sunday, Dalung said that important political players from all around the nation participate in these talks, but he underlined the importance of maintaining their privacy for the time being.
With assurance, he said, “We are in talks with a lot of people nationwide, including senators and previous ministers. A sizable portion of Nigeria’s political elite from all major parties are considering joining the SDP.
Dalung reportedly emphasized that the SDP is now regarded as a significant force in Nigerian politics because it adheres to justice principles rather than because of its white horse image.
“SDP is a party of justice, which is why it is now a bride in Nigerian politics,” he remarked, highlighting the party’s longstanding function in bringing Nigerians together. He brought up the instance of 1993, when Nigerians were denied the opportunity to vote for a party that promised a better future because the election was canceled.
In his further criticism of Nigeria’s political history, Dalung cited the country’s 16 years under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its 10 years under the APC. According to him, Nigeria has to get back to its roots since it has strayed from its potential.
“Until we return to where we were lost, Nigerian democracy will not advance.” We ought to go back and do it again,” he continued.
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Dalung said that the SDP’s vision of prosperity is still quite clear and that the party is dedicated to ending poverty and establishing social equality.
Since the SDP was where their hopes were dashed, Nigerians are thrilled to join. “All political ideologists have welcomed poverty into Nigeria since they canceled the election, despite Abiola’s campaign slogan of ‘farewell to poverty,'” Dalung said.
A grudge On the way to Dalung also conveyed his deep displeasure with President Tinubu’s management of the nation, specifically in regard to the elimination of fuel subsidies.
He pointed out that Tinubu’s presidency lacks widespread support, explaining that the president was elected with only 36% of the vote, making him the first Nigerian president to assume office without securing at least 60% of the vote.
He questioned why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not call for a rerun after the election, despite the low voter support for Tinubu.
“In a normal democracy, INEC should have gone for a rerun, but the electoral body never did. Instead, INEC declared Tinubu the President,” Dalung said.
Dalung continued, criticizing Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal, describing it as a major misstep. He stated, “The fuel subsidy removal has a monumental effect on the lives of the people of Nigeria. People have been crying across the country… In his maiden presidential chat, the President said he had no regret whatsoever.”
He accused the president of declaring “war against Nigeria,” especially against the common people.
Dalung refrained from directly labelling the political opposition as “gangs,” but he suggested that the growing dissatisfaction with the government has driven political leaders to attempt to salvage the situation.
